THERE IS NO RAILROAD TO ACAPULCO, AND CONSEQUENTLY the only way to get there from Mexico City is either by private automobile or by bus via Taxco.

The main road to Acapulco for automobiles no longer leads directly through Taxco, but passes the town on a by-pass, although the busses still go straight through the center of the town. It is extremely beautiful all the way, and from Taxco the road drops rapidly down through the hills until it reaches the village of IGUALA, at kilometer 195. Iguala is at an altitude of only 2,500 feet, and while there is nothing in particular to see there, it is a famous shopping center. Market day is on Sunday, and the specialties are silver and gold filigreed JEWELRY, HATS, BASKETS, LEATHERWORK, and TIN MASKS.

The largest town between Mexico City and Taxco is CHILI'ANCINGO. Unless you happen to be passing through between the 16th and the 31st of December, when they have the famous festival fair, with the TIGER DANCE, there is no reason for stopping here.

ACAPULCO is the oldest and most beautiful seaport on the Pacific slope of Mexico and also the most popular seaside resort in the Mexican republic. It is pleasant winter or summer, for it is far enough south always to be warm in the winter and the breezes from the Pacific almost invariably keep it cool in the summer.

The BAY is 4 miles long and 2 miles wide, and as there are mountains all around it, the vegetation is both tropical and mountain and is as varied as the scenery. The view from the PIE DE LA cuESTA is magnificent, and the drive to the inland village of coYUCA is a delight, even though the road is not too good. The tropical jungle, the colorful birds, and the clouds of butterflies make a succession of pictures that you will never forget.

What to Do in Acapulco

Primarily, Acapulco is a place to loaf. It offers the usual pleasures of a smart seaside resort. The best place to stop is undoubtedly El Mirador, a hotel of the bunga low type. Reservations should be made well in advance, for the place is generally quite crowded. The views from the hotel are magnificent.

The FISHING is superb. At almost any time of the year, you can catch some kind of fish. One of the most exciting catches is the manta, a giant ray, which always puts up a good fight.

HUNTING is a favorite sport with wild fowl in the nearby marshes and in the wooded country to the back, and wild cats, deer, and small game in abundance.

The UNDERSEA LIFE of the marine gardens can be seen from the glass-bottom launches.

The SWIMMING is excellent, and in Acapulco they have a pleasant custom which is not very common elsewhere. Every full moon, most of the residents and visitors bathe by moonlight. It is one of the most delightful ways of bathing.

What to Buy in Acapulco

There are good small stores and many vendors' stands in and around the plaza and along the beach.

The GOLD CHAINS and EARRINGS made by the local goldsmiths are extremely attractive.

ORNAMENTS MADE OF SEASHELLS are a feature of the Acapulco market.

The POTTERY is attractive, as it is everywhere in Mexico and, of course, there are the inevitable BASKETS, BLANKETS, and whatnot.